8. HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION THROUGH THE INQUIRY
One of the principal objectives of any national inquiry conducted by an NHRI is human
rights education and raising awareness of the issues involved. This is especially true of the
topic of family violence where attitudes and beliefs may be contributing to the prevalence of
the violations. This national inquiry will therefore have a significant human rights
educational and awareness raising component and seek to be as visible as possible throughout
the inquiry process and in the implantation phase following its conclusion.
The Office of the Ombudsman has strong links with the media in Samoa and these will be
utilised throughout the inquiry as part of the awareness raising component, including but not
limited to:
- A national inquiry launch event to be covered by all media and publicised
internationally through Office of the Ombudsman networks and partner networks;
- Regular (at least monthly) press releases on the progress of the inquiry;
- TV, radio and written media coverage of all public hearings;
- Radio talkback shows and TV discussions at key points during the inquiry with the
inquiry Commissioners to discuss progress and findings;
- Weekly facebook updates;
- Final inquiry report, published in full and in summary in English and Samoan;
- National Inquiry video produced and broadcast on national TV.
In terms of human rights education the Office of the Ombudsman has identified the following
key target groups and conducted an audience analysis and draft plan for each sector.
Audience
Group
Knowledge, attitude
and understanding of
family violence
Desired change in
attitude and behaviour
Methods
Government
Ministries
Concerned about family
violence
and many
efforts made to change
policies and legislation
but with little impact. A
strong focus on work in
Apia and consequently a
lack of involvement at
the grass root levels.
To fully understand the
root causes
of family
violence, expand work
undertaken in the village
communities and work
more in partnership with
village councils and
churches.
Public
hearings
and
national
inquiry
recommendations
NGOs
Little focus on family
violence. There are no
dedicated women’s rights
NGOs. SVSG is the main
NGO
dealing with
domestic
violence,
dealing directly with
survivors.
Empower
not just
women and young girls
but also the community
to engage in dedicated
women’s rights NGOs.
Public hearings
10
National Public Inquiry Background Paper| Office of the Ombudsman
Supportingthe
establishment of a
women’s
rights
NGO
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